New York Jets stock up, stock down

Organized team activities are in full swing, and there are plenty of storylines and position battles to monitor for each team. Here's how the stock of four New York Jets is shaping up heading into this season:

Stock up

Garrett Wilson, wide receiver: Although quarterback Aaron Rodgers will elevate the entire offense, Wilson will be the biggest beneficiary of the high-profile acquisition.

It's no secret that Rodgers leans on the receiver he trusts most; he and current Raider Davante Adams were a dominant tandem for several years in Green Bay. Clearly, the 39-year-old missed his favorite target last season, but his new No. 17, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, could be just as effective. 

When Rodgers was at quarterback, Adams averaged 8.68 targets and 70.3 receiving yards per game. Wilson played in 10 games last season in which he received eight or more targets, averaging 79.8 yards receiving in those games. Considering Wilson caught passes from Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco and Mike White in his rookie year, there's no telling what his potential might be with Rodgers. 

Mekhi Becton, offensive tackle: Having played only 15 games over his first three seasons due to injuries, including just one in the last two, it wasn't surprising that New York declined Becton's fifth-year option. It's an understatement to say the former 11th overall pick has disappointed, and he's fully aware that 2023 is a career-defining season, which has motivated him to get in shape.

Not so long ago, Becton weighed upward of 400 pounds. As he rehabbed from his second right knee surgery this offseason, he slimmed down to nearly 350 pounds, per ESPN's Rich Cimini. Becton's commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a positive step toward earning a second contract from the Jets. 

While Becton feels he should be New York's starting left tackle, nothing will be handed to him, with HC Robert Saleh saying he must compete for the role. However, since he's still fortunate to be with the Jets, as most teams probably would've cut him by now, Becton has a real opportunity to resurrect his career this season.

Stock down

Robert Saleh, head coach: A late-season collapse derailed New York's postseason aspirations in 2022, as they lost their last six games after starting 7-4. Saleh enters his third season as Jets head coach with an 11-23 career record, which isn't entirely his fault. Nevertheless, expectations are significantly higher in 2023.

New York returns the core of a defense that allowed the fourth-fewest points per game a year ago and now has a future Hall of Famer as its quarterback.

Most of last season's offensive coaches lost their jobs due to the offense's ineffectiveness. If the Rodgers experiment doesn't pan out, Saleh will undoubtedly be the fall guy, and it would be justified given the talent on his roster.

Michael Carter, running back: The 2021 fourth-rounder enjoyed a strong rookie season, leading the Jets in rushing with 639 yards and four touchdowns and recording 325 receiving yards. It appeared New York stumbled upon a gem with Carter, which made some question the decision to draft Breece Hall in the second round last year.

In retrospect, Hall's selection was right. The former Iowa State star was on track for Rookie of the Year honors before suffering a season-ending knee injury, and Carter struggled in his second season.

Carter racked up 402 rushing and 288 receiving yards in 2022 and didn't get the opportunity to be the featured back once Hall went down. Instead, the Jets acquired ex-Jaguar James Robinson via trade; when it was clear he wasn't the answer, they opted for a committee approach with Ty Johnson and Zonovan Knight. 

Robinson and Johnson are no longer with the team. In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Jets selected Israel Abanikanda, who led the FBS with 20 rushing touchdowns last season. Even if Carter manages to fend off Abanikanda for the primary backup role out of camp, the rookie could unseat him by season's end.